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Conservative MPs have voted against proposed new rules requiring private sector landlords to ensure their properties are fit for human habitation.

A Labour amendment to the government’s housing and planning bill, designed to ensure that all rented accommodation was safe for people to live in, was defeated by 312 votes to 219 on Tuesday, a majority of 93.

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The number of MPs supplementing their incomes by acting as landlords has risen by a quarter since the last parliament, with David Cameron and George Osborne among those earning extra money by renting out properties.

‘Empty’ Hoxton HQ of anti-squatting firm Camelot taken over – by squatters

There’s an obvious irony to the fact ‘property guardian’ firm Camelot has been occupied by squatters. Emma Bartholomew visited ‘Camesquat’ in Hoxton and spoke to the community that has sprung up behind its doors.

Occupiers have placed signs on the windows of 20 Westland Place

The former Hoxton HQ of Camelot, a company whose mission is to keep squatters out of empty buildings, has itself been occupied by protesters.

‘It is embarrassing for Camelot that it failed to protect its own former premises and doubly embarrassing that this luxury building has been left empty when it could have provided low-cost, temporary accommodation.’ Squatters in Camelot’s former HQ. Photograph: Martin Godwin for the Guardian

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Camelot provides property guardians, who move into empty buildings to prevent them from being squatted. It is embarrassing for the company that it failed to protect its own former premises from being squatted and doubly embarrassing that this luxury building, in far better shape than many of the buildings they fill with property guardians, has been left empty when it could have provided low-cost, temporary accommodation – complete with tasteful carpets, luxury shower, high-speed Wi-Fi and air conditioning – to several people priced out of the extortionate London rental market.

However, there is a more serious purpose to this occupation. We need to highlight the major housing crisis across the UK, especially in London, and to come up with some sustainable and workable solutions.

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About Me

Phoenix has been active in the environmental cause for over 20 years.Since 1992 when the first Rainbow Centres were set up as a direct action for change after the Rio Earth Summit..From Twyford Down and the early road protests,to two decades of squatted community projects.Networking on the Frontlines of change.